The Christmas Ball
AN: Set in Sixth Year.
After a morning of classes, Harry, Ron, and Hermione returned to Gryffindor tower, dropping off their things before heading to the Great Hall for lunch.
While waiting for Harry and Ron, Hermione checked the notice board to see if there was anything new. There was a notice for the dueling club for the younger students, the Quidditch schedule from Madam Hooch and the Gryffindor practice schedule, handwritten by Harry. But a new notice caught her eye.
It was announcing that this year, Hogwarts would be having a Christmas Ball.
Just as she was about to comment on when Ron and Harry came downstairs.
"Let's go, Hermione," Ron called as Harry pushed open the portrait hole. Hermione shook her head at their impatience, following them out the portrait hole.
They walked together, side by side to the Great Hall until Ron reached over, tapping Harry's shoulder.
"Race you!"
Ron took off running, with Harry running after him.
Hermione shook her head, muttering 'boys' to herself. As she entered the Great Hall, she noticed Harry was looking for someone, who wasn't in the Great Hall. She knew Harry was looking for Ginny. He hadn't said anything to Hermione, but she had figured it out.
Harry was slowly but surely, falling in love with Ginny.
Sitting down in the seat across from them, Hermione started to observe them as they began fixing their respective lunches. Ron, as always, had his plateful. Harry, on the other hand, was more restrained. The differences between Harry and Ron in terms of eating habits were night and day. But lately, Harry did have moments of where he ate more than Ron, surprisingly.
"Did you see the notice about a Christmas Ball this year?" She asked.
Ron nearly choked. "What?" He spattered.
Harry, on the other hand, had seen the notice that morning but hadn't mentioned it.
"There's a Christmas Ball this year," Hermione repeated.
As an argument began with Ron and Hermione, Harry began making a plan. He knew who he wanted to ask. Since the summer, Harry had found himself falling for the youngest Weasley. Because he was staying at the Burrow, he made any excuse to spend some time with her. It had gotten to the point where when he saw her, he felt his heart pound against his ribcage and butterflies floating around in his stomach. He would have asked her to the ball. But there was one problem.
Ginny had a boyfriend.
Once Harry finished his lunch, he looked around for Ginny before he began watching the door. He saw Dean and Seamus enter the Great Hall with Colin behind them. Dean didn't look happy.
"I'm so glad Dean and Ginny broke up," Ron murmured as he watched Dean stab his lunch.
"What?!" Harry exclaimed, a little quick, making Ron and Hermione looked at him, slightly puzzled.
"Ginny broke up with him. It happened about a week ago," Ron explained. "Apparently he wasn't that kind to her."
Ron launched into telling Harry and Hermione what happened and how Ginny decided she had enough and broke up with him.
When he felt he wouldn't be missed, Harry got up calmly. He found Colin at the end of the table and approached him with the intent of asking where Ginny was.
"Hello Colin," He greeted. "Have you seen Ginny?"
Colin nodded. "Yeah, Harry. She said something about going for a fly before lunch."
"Thanks, Colin," Harry said, gratefully.
Then as calm as he could, he left the Great Hall. Once he was outside the main doors, he made a run for the Quidditch pitch knowing where Ginny would be. Ignoring the stitch in his side, he began to think of ways he could ask Ginny to the ball. He just hoped that her answer about be yes.
By the time he reached the Quidditch pitch, he was panting for breath. Looking up, he found Ginny flying above the pitch. He entered the Gryffindor tent, collecting his own broom, and entered the pitch. He straddled his broom, kicking off the ground. He just hoped he wasn't too late or that he was asking her too soon following the breakup.
As he approached Ginny hovering in mid-air, Harry felt his stomach fill with hundreds of snitched.
"Hello, Harry," Ginny greeted, without looking.
"How did you know it was me?" Harry asked, coming up beside her.
Ginny looked at him, smiling. "It's that sandalwood soap that you use. I recognize it from anywhere."
They flew side by side for a while in silence. Harry was trying to come up with the best way to ask Ginny to the ball, hoping she would say yes.
Turning around to face Ginny, his green eyes met her brown. He felt his stomach flutter with butterflies and his heart pounding rapidly.
"Ginny?"
"Yes, Harry?"
Taking a deep breath, he began, "You heard of the Christmas Ball right?"
Ginny nodded. "Yes, I sat it this morning on my way to breakfast. Why?"
"You can do this," the voice in Harry's head told him. "Are you going?" He asked.
Ginny waited a beat before replying, "I haven't been asked if that's what you mean."
If Harry was the ground, he would have done a happy dance. Taking another deep breath, Harry decided to ask her.
"Do it before someone else does!" said the voice in his head.
"Ginny, I was wondering if you would like to go to the ball with me?" Harry asked, letting out the breath he didn't realize he was holding.
Ginny didn't need to think about it. "Yes," She replied. "I would love to go to the ball with you."
She smiled at Harry, seeing the biggest smile on his face.
"Great, because I would love for you to be my date," Harry said. The voice in Harry's head said, "Maybe something more."
Ginny smiled. "Okay."
They flew around the pitch, landing near the tent, putting up their brooms. Harry waited for Ginny before they headed back to the castle.
"Can you meet me in the common room later? I could use some help on my Defense essay."
"Sure," Harry agreed. He felt like he was walking on air.
When they reached the castle, Harry headed towards Charms while Ginny headed to the common room. She waved.
Harry waved back, waiting until she was gone to let loose.
"Yes!" Harry punched the air. "She said yes."
He half walked half run to Charms with a smile on his face. As he entered the classroom, he wiped the smile off of his face and sat down beside Ron.
"Where have you been?" Hermione asked.
Harry leaned over, whispering, "I felt a little sick and went to lie down. I started to feel better and decided to come to class."
Even though Hermione was skeptical, she accepted his excuse. When Hermione turned around, Harry smiled, remembering that he had a date for the ball.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Harry, where did you disappear to before Charms class," Hermione asked.
"I told you, Hermione," Harry sighed. "I felt sick to my stomach. I went to rest for a minute and lost track of time." Luckily for Harry, he didn't have any telltale signs that he was lying.
"Okay," Hermione murmured, dropping the subject.
Harry walked passed Ginny heading towards the Gryffindor common room. Their eyes met.
Then Harry realized something. He could summon Dobby to have him bring them dinner.
"Actually Hermione, my stomach still doesn't feel good. I'm gonna go back to the dorm and lay down."
Without another word, Harry turned around and calmly walked to the Gryffindor tower, not even giving Hermione a chance to say anything.
As he walked back to Gryffindor, he began thinking of ways to get Hermione and Ron out of their hair when he passed Colin.
"Colin?" Harry called. "Can you do me a favor?
Colin nodded. "Sure, what is it?"
"You said you need help with your Charms essay right?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Colin replied. "Do you know someone?"
"Hermione, she's at dinner. Ask her to help you after dinner. She'll take you to the library and will bring Ron with her. I just need to keep them there until curfew."
Colin smiled. "I can do that."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
"You're welcome." Colin turned to go to the Great Hall but turned around. "By the way, did you find Ginny?"
"Yes," Harry answered.
"Did you ask her to the ball?" Colin inquired.
Harry smiled, nodding. "She said yes."
Colin smiled back. "I'm happy for you both."
He waved at Harry and went on to the Great Hall for dinner.
Harry thanked him, turning around and continued walking towards Gryffindor tower. He told the Fat Lady the password to enter Gryffindor tower, entering the common room. He found Ginny sitting at one of the tables. His stomach flipped. Why was he nervous all of a sudden?
Then suddenly, an idea popped into Harry's head.
"Hey Ginny," Harry greeted.
Ginny looked up at the voice, smiling when she noticed it was Harry.
"Hi."
"Why don't we go to the Room of Requirement and work? We'll have privacy and we'll be quiet," he wheeled.
Harry felt like butterflies were taking up permanent residence in his stomach. What was it about being alone with Ginny made him nervous?
"Sure, let's go." Ginny collected her stuff and was about to put her bag on her shoulder when Harry picked it up and put it on his shoulder. He carried it for her, as they walked to the Room of Requirement.
To begin a conversation, Harry asked her about the essay she was to write.
"So what's the essay on?"
"The Patronus charm," Ginny replied.
Harry led her through the doors that appeared and they walked into the Room of Requirement, laid out the same as the Gryffindor room.
They walked over to one of the tables, beginning to work.
After they started working, Ginny looked up just as Harry's stomach growled louder.
"Harry is that your stomach growling?"
Harry went beet red, nodding. "I could summon Dobby."
As if he heard his name, the elf appeared with a Pop!
"What can Dobby do for the Great Harry Potter and his Wheezy?" Dobby asked.
Ginny giggled.
"Shut it," Harry mumbled to Ginny. Turning to Dobby, he asked, "Could you bring us some dinner? We're not going to the Great Hall."
"Dobby will do anything for the Great Harry Potter." With a crack, Dobby was gone.
Ginny leaned over, asking, "So what's the story with Dobby?"
"I gave him a pair of socks and freed him from the Malfoys. Once you get to know him, he's that bad. Ron and I gave him socks last year to keep him from telling Hermione where we were hiding when she wanted to study for OWLs and Ron and I needed a break."
Dobby arrived not too long with their dinner.
When he was gone, Harry and Ginny ate making small talk as they did. They shared stories about their childhood. Harry loved hearing Ginny's stories about growing up at the Burrow. Harry only shared the happier memories of his childhood. His childhood wasn't easy to talk about.
It was just about curfew when Ginny finished. Harry carried her bag for her as they walked back to Gryffindor tower.
Ginny gave the Fat Lady the password. She opened and Harry and Ginny went in.
"Thank you for your help, Harry," Ginny said as she walked towards the stairs that lead to her dorm.
"Any time Ginny," Harry said as he watched Ginny walked towards the stairs that lead up to her dorm. Leaning against the doorway, he sighed. "Anytime."
Harry climbed up the stairs to the boys' dorm, entering the sixth year boys' room and went to his bed.
Sliding on his stomach, he reached under the bed for a box he kept under the bed. Pulling out the box, he sat up. Sitting cross-legged on the floor he dug through the box until he found what he was looking for.
It was one of the few pictures he had of Sirius. This one was his favorite. It was taken last Christmas at Grimmauld Place of just him and Sirius. They looked happy, without a care in the world.
"I wish you were here Sirius, I need you," Harry whispered, ignoring the tear forming in his eyes. He didn't have anyone to talk to. Ron was out of the questions, giving he is Ginny's brother. What he needed was a father figure.
Harry put the picture back in the box. He was about to put the lid back on when he saw a picture of him with Sirius and Remus, taken last summer on his birthday.
"Remus! I can talk to him."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Remus Lupin walked through the halls of Hogwarts. He was there to see Dumbledore. He had written him early in the week, asking him to meet with him to discuss Order business.
He was leaving Dumbledore's office when he decided to take a walk around the castle. He wondered how Harry was doing.
Harry was the son he never had and wished he had. He reminded him of James, so much so that he would accidentally called him James. Remus knew Harry was having a hard time following Sirius's passing. He had no experience dealing with a grieving teenager.
Suddenly, he felt someone pass him, even though there was no one there. It meant it could have been one person.
"Hello Harry," Remus greeted, smirking.
Pulling off his invisibility cloak, he asked, "How did you know it was me?"
"I know you are the only one who has an invisibility cloak. How are you doing?"
Harry couldn't believe his luck. An hour ago he was trying to figure out what do to about his problem with Ginny.
"I'm fine, Remus. Can I talk to you about something?" Harry asked.
Remus nodded, spotting an empty classroom and motioned for Harry to follow him.
"What's on your mind?" Remus asked as he shut the door to the room.
"Well, there's this girl," Harry began. Remus smiled, he knew where this was going.
Harry began pacing in front of him. "She's smart, beautiful, and a powerful witch. Let's just say I don't want to be on the wrong end of her wand."
"You are your father's son," Remus whispered. Then he asked in normal volume, "Is she a redhead?"
Harry stopped, staring at Remus. "How did you know?" He blurted.
Remus smiled. "Your father fell in love with a redhead, as did his father, and his father before him. They called it the Potter family curse. Every Potter man falls in love with a redhead and they end up marrying them."
Harry sighed. "So you probably know I'm talking about.
Remus nodded, smiling. "How do you feel when you're around her?"
"My palms feel all sweaty. I can't breathe. My heart feels like it's about to pound right out of me. My stomach feels like I've swallowed butterflies or snitches. Sometimes it feels like it's doing flip-flops. I get so nervous around her, especially if we're alone. She asked me to help her with a Defense essay tonight. To tell you how nervous I was, I felt like I was going to throw up."
"What seems to be the problem?" Remus asked.
"Ron," Harry groaned. "I've fallen in love with my best friend's sister. What will this to the friendship I had with Ron for six years. I how he reacted when Ginny started dating Corner last year and Dean, briefly this year. How do I tell him?"
Harry sat down on the desk, swinging his feet.
"Ron will understand, maybe it might seem weird for him at first. But he trusts you and knows you. Give it a chance."
Harry nodded.
"You know how we're having a Christmas Ball?" Harry asked. Remus nodded, motioning for the teen to continue. "I asked Ginny to go with me. She said yes."
Joining Harry on the desk, Remus continued, "Sounds like your pass the first step, which was asking Ginny to the dance. Now there is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up for those going to get dress robes right?"
"Ask her to go with you. Hopefully, it will allow you and Ginny sometime to be alone."
"Thanks, Remus." Climbing off the desk, he hugged the man he considered his second godfather.
"Where were you going by the way?" Remus asked.
"I couldn't sleep. I decided to walk around the castle." Harry shrugged. "I've done it before."
Remus wrapped an arm around Harry, squeezing his shoulder gently. "If you ever need to talk or if you need advice I'm here for you, Harry."
"Thanks, Remus that means a lot," Harry said.
Remus hugged Harry one more time and watched as Harry pulled the invisibility cloak over himself, heading back to Gryffindor tower.
As he walked down the corridor, Remus paused at a window, looking out at the half moon sky.
"You called it Padfoot. You called it. He's in love with her." He chuckled. "And you owe me ten galleons.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
The next night, Harry laid in his four-poster. He was going to tell Ron that he and Ginny were going to the Christmas Ball. He was scared of his reaction.
"Hey, Ron?"
He heard Ron turn over in his bed, the sheets rustling.
"Yeah Harry?
Harry took a deep breath, ignoring the twisting knots in his stomach
"What would you say if Ginny and I were going to the Christmas Ball together?"
What felt like an eternity was really five minutes, Ron finally answered.
"I'm okay with that, you and Ginny are good friends. I don't see a problem with that."
Harry realized the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He felt like he could breathe again.
"Thanks, Ron. I was going to take her to Hogsmeade if you're okay with it?"
"Yes, take her."
"Ron, I think I'm falling in love with your sister," Harry blurted.
He paused, hearing Ron sit up in his bed.
"What? Seriously?"
Harry sat up, nodded. "Seriously."
"Harry, honestly, if I had to pick someone for my sister…." He trailed off, making Harry nervous. "I'd pick you."
Harry breathed a sigh relief. "Thanks, Ron."
Lying back down to go to sleep, he heard Ron added, "Best friend or not, hurt my sister and I'll hurt you."
"Three words Ron," Harry said. "Bat Boogey Hex."
Ron shuddered. "Goodnight, mate."
"Night Ron."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
The next morning, Harry found Ginny in the common room alone. No time like the present and he needed to ask Ginny to Hogsmeade.
"Hey Ginny," Harry greeted.
"Hi Harry," Ginny returned. "How are you today?"
"Good. Um, you know the Hogsmeade weekend coming up?"
"Yes, I do. Why?" She smiled, knowing where this was going.
"Would you like to go with me?" Harry asked.
"Yes, I would love too." Ginny smiled, she was hoping this thing with Harry would turn into something more.
"Great, we'll discuss over breakfast if you like?" Harry suggested.
"Sure."
When they finished breakfast later, Harry walked Ginny to Charms class before he headed to Transfiguration.
"I'll meet you for lunch?" Ginny asked.
"Sure. Meet you outside the Great Hall."
"Alright." Ginny was about to enter the classroom, but Harry leaned over, kissing her cheek.
"See you later, Ginny."
Ginny looked slap happy as she watched Harry walk away, wishing he wasn't wearing the robe because the pants with his uniform outlined his bum really well.
Sighed she walked in the classroom in a daze. She took her seat beside Demelza.
"Pinch me, Demi," She whispered.
As requested, Demi pinched Ginny's arm.
"It wasn't a dream," Ginny sighed, happily.
"What was a dream?" She asked.
"Harry kissed me on the cheek."
She awed, shrieked, hugging Ginny.
"Maybe by the ball, you and Harry will be dating."
"He asked me to Hogsmeade," Ginny blurted.
"Really?"
"Yes!" Ginny exclaimed.
"I'm happy for you, Ginny," Demelza said.
"Thank you," Ginny murmured.
As Professor Flitwick began the lesson, Ginny daydreamed about her day in Hogsmeade with Harry.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
The special Hogsmeade weekend finally arrived after a long week of waiting. While it was set up for those going to the ball to get dress robes, all students third year and up were allowed to go, regardless whether or not they were going to the ball.
Ginny woke up that morning, a smile on her face. She jumped out of bed, heading to her wardrobe, laying out the outfit she had picked the night before. Heading into the bathroom, she showered, washed her hair, and shaved. Once she was done, she walked out in her dressing gown and hair wrapped in a towel.
She quickly dried her hair, brushed her teeth, and slipped on her knickers and bra. She changed into the clothes she had laid out: denim jeans and her dark purple jumper. Once dressed, she returned to the bathroom, fixed her hair and put on a little bit of makeup.
Once done, she collected her socks and boots before heading down to the common room. Just as she sat down, Harry came down from the boys' dorm, shoes in hand.
Ginny had to do a double take. God, she had forgotten how good Harry looked in jeans. This pair he was wearing fit him very well. He was wearing a grey v-neck jumper with a red t-shirt underneath. He looked good, really good.
"You look nice today Ginny," Harry commented.
"Thanks," Ginny returned. "You do too."
With their shoes on and their stuff together, they headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. As they ate, they discussed the plans for the day as not only were they shopping for dress robes, but Christmas shopping as well.
When they finished eating, they joined the line of students going to Hogsmeade. Ginny pulled on her coat while they waited, smiling when Harry helped her put it on without a word. She returned the gesture by fixing the collar of Harry's coat for him.
Ginny pulled on gloves and the hat she had stuffed in her coat pocket while Harry slipped on his gloves.
When it was time to go to Hogsmeade, Harry reached for Ginny's hand and they walked together to the village.
"Gladrags first?" Ginny asked.
The plan was that Harry and Ginny would meet Ron and Hermione at Gladrags so the girls can get their dresses.
Ron already had dress robes, wearing the ones Fred and George bought him. Harry had bought when he went to Diagon Alley with Remus. He had commented that they might come in handy and Remus was right, even though he didn't know about the ball until later. He did suggest in a talk with Harry that he get a tie and vest to match Ginny's dress.
Hermione had her dress picked out, having ordered by catalog and opted to pick it up. This was the last chance for those attending the ball to get their dress robes since it was the last Hogsmeade weekend before Christmas.
Ginny was the only one who truly needed a dress.
While Hermione was having her dress altered, Ginny began looking at the discounted dresses when she was approached by a sales clerk.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Weasley?"
Surprised, Ginny nodded. "Yes," she replied, verbally.
"Follow me please."
Sharing a look of confusing with Hermione, she followed the sales clerk to a dressing room where there were dresses already laid out.
"It's been arranged for you to have a personal shopper. These dresses have been selected for you. So if you would step into the dressing room and we'll get started.
"Um, I don't have the….." Ginny turned off, not sure how to explain her lack of funds for the apparently expensive dresses.
The sales clerk smiled, catching on. "It's already taking care of. I'll write up the ticket for the dress you choose."
Ginny went into the dressing room, closing the curtain behind her. She looked at each dress, smiling.
"Who would do something like this for me?" She thought.
Her first choice to try on was a black floor-length dress with an X in the back. Stepping out in the dress, she found Hermione sitting in the chair, waiting for her.
They looked at each other in the mirror and shook their head. This wasn't the dress.
The next dress Ginny tried was midnight blue with ruffles. Again, the girls shook their heads. This wasn't the dress.
As Ginny returned to the dressing room, Hermione began pondering on who would do this for Ginny. That's when it hit her. It had to be a certain raven headed boy who was with Ron on the other side of the store.
Ginny came out of the dressing room in a purple one strap dress, a high low style. The neck and the back were too low for Ginny's liking.
"Next," she said. She walked in the dressing room to find one dress left. This one was an emerald green dress with a sweetheart neckline with touches of silver throughout the dress, especially the skirt.
"This is the dress I looked at the last time I was in here. I can't afford it."
She glowed when she stepped out in the green dress. It looked like it was made for Ginny.
"That's it!" Hermione exclaimed.
Turning to the sales clerk, Ginny said, "I'll take this one."
Hermione stood up while Ginny went to alterations.
"I'm going to go check on the boys. I'll be back."
She went looking for the boys, finding them in the men's' shoes. Her dress was packed and waiting at the till for her to find some shoes and then she'll pay for it.
"Did Ginny pick a dress?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Green with some silver touches on the skirt," Hermione replied.
"What color is your dress sweetie?" Ron asked Hermione, causing Harry to pause. For the first time, Harry was speechless.
"It's blue, royal blue. Here's the vest that matches it." Hermione handed Ron a royal blue vest.
"Thanks," Ron said, moving on to look at ties.
"When did you all start…?" Harry trailed off, too shocked to say another word.
"Last week," Hermione replied. Turning to Harry, she added, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Without waiting for Harry to reply, Hermione grabbed his arm, pulling him to a private part of the store.
"Harry James Potter, you better not have done what I think you did?" She hissed.
"What, arranging the personal shopper and paying for the dress? Yes." He sighed. "I think I'm in love with her and I wanted to do something nice for her. I saw her in here last Hogsmeade weekend. I saw how she looked at the other dresses and not the ones that were discounted. So I arranged the personal shopper, adding to put in the green dress with the others and you know the rest."
Harry moved over to stand where he could see Ginny. "I could imagine her in it and she's…"
"What?" Hermione said.
"Beautiful."
Hermione smiled, shaking her head. "What are you going to tell her if she finds out?"
"That it's part of her Christmas present."
"Do you know how much this dress cost?" Hermione inquired.
"Yes, I do. And no I'm not telling you," Harry said when it looked like Hermione was going to ask. "Remus doesn't even know. He knows I'm buying her a dress for the ball."
Shaking her head once more, Hermione murmured, "You are something else, Harry."
As Hermione went to look for shoes, Harry found a vest and a tie in the green matching the green. His dress robes were black, and the emerald green would go well with it.
He paid for his purchases and signed the ticket with Ginny's dress, alterations, and shoes.
He had told Remus when they talked last when Remus came up to visit. He thought the gesture was sweet and even though he didn't say it he knew it was only a matter of time before Harry and Ginny were dating.
Ginny and Hermione had their dresses to the castle.
With the dress bought, Harry and Ginny left Gladrags, deciding to walk around Hogsmeade for a while before deciding to go to Honeydukes, picking up enough candy to last them months. They browsed around other shops before heading to The Three Broomsticks where they met Ron and Hermione.
When the girls excused themselves to go to the restroom Harry asked. "So you and Hermione?"
"I thought about asking her when went to Hogsmeade, take her to the Shrieking Shack and ask her to be my girlfriend. Well, a few nights ago the common room was empty except for her and you hadn't come back from Dumbledore's office yet. The next thing I know I walk over to her, telling her how beautiful she was and how much she means to me. Then I asked her."
"Wow," Harry said, leaning back in the chair. "I never thought I would see the day you two would come to your senses and go out."
Ron smiled. "Thanks, Mate."
Until the girls returned, Harry and Ron talked about Ron and Hermione's new relationship.
As Ginny sat down beside Harry, she smiled at him. Harry had been nervous about this day for a week and now it was here. He relaxed and enjoyed it.
After lunch, Ron and Hermione headed to the Shrieking Shack while Harry and Ginny decided were going to walk until they needed to head back to the castle.
Being alone with Ginny, Harry felt butterflies return to his stomach, increasing when Ginny took his hand.
When they returned to the castle, they dropped off their purchases at their dorm and decided to go outside to walk around the lake. They weren't outside for long, walking around the lake as the air was cold, colder around the lake when Ginny started shivering. Harry handed her his coat and led inside.
Upon returning to the Gryffindor tower, finding the common room empty.
Harry summoned Dobby and asked him for hot chocolate. They sat on the floor by the fire, drinking their hot chocolate with marshmallows and biscuits.
Ginny was sitting Indian style, while Harry was lying on his stomach.
"I had a good time today," Ginny said, smiling.
Harry smiled back. "I did too."
"I loved my dress. I wonder who could have set up something like that for me," She pondered.
Harry innocently shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe someone who wants to make you happy. Who loves you and would do anything for you."
"Do you know who?" She asked.
Harry smirked. "Like I would tell you."
Ginny threw a marshmallow at Harry, which landed right in his mouth.
"Nice shot," Harry said, swallowing the marshmallow.
Harry sat up, moving from lying on his stomach. They shared a look for a second as Harry leaned in closer, apparently about to kiss her.
The moment was broken when Ron and Hermione came back to the common room, causing Ginny and Harry to separate.
"It's time to head to dinner," Hermione announced.
"I'm not hungry. You guys go on," Harry said, heading upstairs to his dorm. He just wanted a moment alone. He had come so close to telling Ginny it was him who had set up the personal dress shopping for her.
"I'm in love with Ginny. How do I tell her I love her when we're never alone?"
Turning to face his bedside table where there was a framed picture of Sirius and Harry.
"I wish you can talk so I can get some advice? I guess I could wait until the Christmas Ball. It's only a few days away."
That night when Harry went to sleep, dreaming of him and Ginny at the ball. When he woke up the next morning he made a decision.
At the Christmas Ball, he was going to ask Ginny to be his girlfriend.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
The day of the Christmas Ball had finally arrived causing a buzz of excitement throughout the castle. Around four in the afternoon, Hermione and Ginny disappeared up to the girls' dorm to get ready. They bathed, washed their hair, painted their fingernails and toenails, put curlers in Ginny's hair.
At five, Ginny walked downstairs to the common room wearing knickers and the bra the dress required, covering it with pink dressing gown and slippers on her feet, with curlers in her hair, and a green face mask on her face.
She stood at the foot of the stairs with her hands on her hips, seeing the boys sitting in the corner of the common room playing Wizard's Chess.
Ron jumped when he saw his sister. "What the bloody hell is on your face?"
"It's a face mask, Ronald. Hermione sent me down here to see if the two of you went to get ready for the ball.
"We're almost done, Ginny," Ron assured his sister. "We'll go up in a minute."
Fifteen minutes later, Ron was standing in front of the mirror shaving as Harry stepped out of the shower.
"Ron?" Harry began.
"Yeah," He replied, rinsing off his razor and cleaning off the remaining cream
Taking a deep breath, Harry added, "I'm planning on asking Ginny to be my girlfriend."
Turning around, Ron asked, "Really?"
Harry nodded.
"Remember what I said about…..
"Yeah, yeah, hurt her you'll hurt me."
Ron chuckled. "Just so you know I trust you with her."
Before seven, Harry and Ron were dressed, waiting in the common room for Hermione and Ginny. Ron paced the floor, muttering to himself while Harry stood almost frozen, his gaze locked on the stairs leading up to the girls' dorm.
They didn't have to wait long until they heard the sound of someone coming down the stairs. It was Hermione. She looked beautiful in her royal blue dress.
Ron had his back to her. Harry tapped his shoulder, jerking his head towards Hermione. Ron turned around, his jaw hit the floor.
"Hermione, you look….beautiful. I'm speechless."
"That's first," Harry murmured to himself.
Turning to Harry, Hermione said, "Ginny is almost ready. She was putting the finishing touches on her makeup when I came down. She'll be down soon."
'She doesn't need it' the voice in Harry's head said. "Okay. And Hermione."
"Yes, Harry?" Hermione asked, pausing following Ron.
Harry smiled. "You do look beautiful."
Hermione smiled, leaning over, hugging Harry. Ron patted Harry's shoulder, telling him they would wait outside the Great Hall for them.
Harry found himself alone in the common room with a few third, second, and first years that were staying at Hogwarts for Christmas.
He felt butterflies in his stomach as he soon heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.
Harry looked up at the stairs, finding himself breathless. Ginny looked stunning, more beautiful than Harry ever seen her before. Her curled hair was half up half down, with curls lining her face
When she found Harry, she smiled.
"Hello, Harry. Are you ready to go?" She asked, smiling.
"Ginny…I'm sorry, words leave me. I've never seen anyone look as beautiful as you do in all my life."
Ginny blushed at Harry's words. "Thanks, Harry."
Harry handed Ginny the wrist corsage he asked Remus to get for him, placing it on Ginny's wrist. Then he took her hand leading her to the portrait hole. They walked to the entrance hall, hand in hand.
Neville complimented Ginny on how beautiful she looked while Hannah Abbott's arm was around his. He gave Harry a thumbs up. Hermione told her he had told her the same thing when she and Ron arrived.
Ron smiled at his sister, giving her a hug, whispering "You look beautiful Ginny. Harry's really lucky." Then louder, he said, "We both have beautiful women as our dates."
The girls awed at the compliment. As they entered the Great Hall, commented on the decorations and how pretty it all looked, Remus approached the group.
"Ladies, you look beautiful. I like how you decided to match each other,"
He said, referring to Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginny's matching colors.
"Thank you, Remus," the girls replied in unison. He motioned for Harry that he wanted to speak with him alone.
"I take it you saw the slip from Gladrags?" Harry asked. Remus nodded.
"She looked beautiful, Harry. Good choice."
"Since I have a moment with you can I ask you something?" Harry asked.
"Sure," Remus murmured.
"How did Dad ask Mum out?" Harry asked.
Smiling, Remus wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder. "He told her everything he liked about her and how much she meant to him. Then before he lost his nerve he asked her."
"Okay," Harry replied, shakily.
Harry returned to where Ginny was waiting for him. When she looked at him, she smiled. Harry felt his stomach twist into nervous knots.
"Ready?"
Harry offered his arm as a reply, Ginny took it. They walked farther in the Great Hall. They all sat at the same table, ordering their dinner from the card just like they did at the Yule Ball four years ago.
Ron and Hermione joined them at their table, ordering their own meals. Hermione and Ginny made small talk as they ate, talking about the decoration and how pretty some of the girls' dresses were and how pretty their hair was. Harry and Ron sat quietly, listening to the girl's talk.
When Dumbledore opened the dance floor one hour later, Ron and Hermione went first. Harry stood up beside Ginny, offering his hand. She took it, letting Harry lead her out to the dance floor. The first dance was a fast Weird Sisters song.
Harry took Ginny by surprise when he started spinning her around the dance floor. When she caught the looks on her friends' faces, she noticed they were smiling. She then noticed Ron and Hermione were watching them smiling and so was Remus standing beside Professor McGonagall smiling as well.
It was when she looked up at Harry's face when she realized how happy Harry looked. She couldn't remember when she saw him this happy.
When a slow song came on, Ron wrapped Hermione in his arms, slowly moving in a circle. Hermione's arms were wrapped around Ron. Meanwhile, Ginny felt strong arms around her and when she looked up she noticed Harry was still watching her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they danced in a slow circle.
They eventually went to sit down and Harry and Ron went to get drinks. When they returned, Ron asked if he could dance with Ginny for one dance. Harry nodded, it would give him time to talk to Hermione.
"Hermione, can I talk to you?" Harry asked.
Hermione moved to the chair next to Harry as a response. "What is it?"
"How did Ron asked you out?" Harry asked, sounding desperate.
"He told me that I was the most beautiful woman he made. Then he told me everything he loved about me."
When it was apparent Ron and Ginny were going another round, Harry stood up, offering his hand to Hermione.
"Since Ron is dancing with his sister. So I'll dance with mine," he said.
Hermione smiled. She considered Harry the brother she didn't have and he considered her a sister. They walked out onto the dance floor, coming up beside Ron and Ginny.
Before Hermione returned to Ron at the end of the dance, Harry gave her a hug, whispering in her ear, "Thank you, Hermione."
When the band announced the last song, Ron and Hermione went to another side of the dance floor to allow Harry and Ginny could be alone.
Harry looked around, noticing they were by themselves in a corner of the dance floor.
He took a deep breath and started the speech he had planned in his head. "Ginny, you look beautiful tonight, but you look beautiful all the time. You're kind, caring, smart, and sweet. You're a good flyer and you're brilliant at Quidditch. I have fallen head over heels hopelessly in love with you."
Ginny felt like she could fly, she could produce a Patronus. She couldn't believe Harry was literally pouring his heart out.
"I love you, Ginny." Harry summoned enough courage to lean over, kissing her on the lips. He was relieved when she returned it.
When they broke apart Ginny smiled, looking up in Harry's emerald green eyes.
"I love you too, Harry."
The song ended and the couples began leaving the dance floor. They walked back to Gryffindor tower, only to find themselves walking outside. Harry summoned his winter cloak and a cloak for Ginny, helping her put it on. They walked outside along the snow cleared pathway around the lake. There was a New Moon in the sky with the stars shining brightly.
"Harry?" At the sound of Ginny's voice, Harry turned his head, looking at the beautiful young lady had fallen in love with.
"Where do we go from here?" She asked.
Harry swallowed, replying, "Well I was thinking about asking…" She trailed off, stopping, cupping the back of her head, kissing her on the lips once more. This time, Ginny moved her tongue along Harry's mouth. He opened his mouth, allowing her to deepen the kiss.
When they broke apart, Harry finally asked Ginny the question he had been wanting to ask her for a while.
"Ginny, will you be my girlfriend?"
Ginny smiled at him, nodded. "Yes," She replied. She leaned over, kissing Harry on the lips. She then wrapped her arms around his waist as her arms wrapped around her. They stood like that until they decided to head inside.
They walked to Gryffindor tower, holding hands.
"When did you fall in love with me?" She asked.
"I'm not sure. I think it was last Christmas when we were all at Grimmauld Place. Maybe when you and I comforted each other your attack. But I really started to fall in love with you over last summer when I came to the Burrow," Harry said.
"Really?"
"Maybe it was when I was twelve and the idea of you being dead scared me. But if I want to be really honest with myself." Harry paused, drawing Ginny close to him.
"Babe, you had me at good luck."
Ginny smiled, kissing him once more before they walked to Gryffindor tower.
"Eggnog," Ginny told the Fat Lady. Once she opened, they walked in the common room, finding Ron and Hermione sitting on the couch in front of the fire, dressed in pajamas. They smiled at Harry and Ginny, only it brightened at seeing them holding hands.
Ron got up, approaching them, hugging his sister.
"Take care of him, Ginny," Ron whispered in her ear.
"Thanks, Ron. I will," Ginny said, hugging her brother. He returned the hug. Then they broke apart. She headed up to her dorm to clean up and change into pajamas.
Turning to his best friend, Ron patted Harry's shoulder. "Take care of her Harry."
"I will mate," Harry promised. Then they soon engulfed each other in a brotherly hug.
After cleaning up and changing into pajamas, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny gathered in the common room, sitting in front of the fire. Ron and Hermione snuggled into the armchair while Harry and Ginny cuddled on the couch.
They drank hot chocolate, eating biscuits and talking about the events of the night, Harry and Ginny telling Ron and Hermione how Harry asked Ginny to be his girlfriend. They talked until they fell asleep, snuggled together.
Harry knew he wanted to be dating Ginny and thanks to the Christmas Ball, he wouldn't have Ginny as his girlfriend.